Smallpox

Smallpox is caused by the variola virus. It was declared eradicated in 1980.

What is Smallpox?
Smallpox is a contagious, disfiguring, and often deadly disease caused by the variola virus.

Status: ERADICATED. Thanks to global vaccination, the last naturally occurring case was in 1977. Today, samples of the virus exist only in two secure laboratories (in the US and Russia) for research.
Current Risk: The primary concern today is its potential use as a biological weapon.

The Progression of Symptoms

Smallpox symptoms follow a predictable pattern. The first symptoms usually appear 12 to 14 days after infection.

Stage 1: Incubation (7–17 Days)

You look and feel healthy. You are not contagious yet.

Stage 2: Initial Symptoms (2–4 Days)

Sudden onset of flu-like symptoms. You become contagious during this phase.

• High fever.
• Severe fatigue and back pain.
• Headache and vomiting.

Stage 3: The Rash (3–4 Weeks)

A rash appears, starting on the face and spreading to the arms, legs, and hands.

• Day 1-3: Flat red spots appear.
• Day 4: Spots turn into fluid-filled blisters.
• Day 5+: Blisters fill with pus (pustules) which are round and firm to the touch (like a BB pellet under the skin).
• Week 2: Scabs form and eventually fall off, leaving deep, pitted scars.

🔍 SMALLPOX VS. CHICKENPOX
How to tell them apart:

• Fever: Smallpox causes fever 2-4 days before the rash. Chickenpox fever starts with the rash.
• Location: Smallpox rash is worst on the face, arms, and legs. Chickenpox is worst on the stomach/trunk.
• Development: Smallpox lesions all develop at the same speed (all pustules at once). Chickenpox lesions appear in waves (some are blisters while others are scabs).

Transmission

Smallpox spreads through prolonged face-to-face contact. It is transmitted via:

• Droplets: Coughing or sneezing spreads the virus into the air.
• Contaminated Items: Bedding or clothing used by an infected person (the virus can survive on fabrics).

Complications

For those who survive, complications can be permanent:

• Deep Scarring: Pockmarks, especially on the face.
• Blindness: If the sores infect the eyes.
• Death: The historical mortality rate was about 30%.

Diagnosis

Since the disease is eradicated, a single case would be a global health emergency. The CDC would confirm diagnosis using tissue samples from a lesion, testing specifically for variola virus DNA.

Treatment & Prevention

1. The Vaccine

The Smallpox vaccine is made from a live virus called vaccinia (related to cowpox). It is administered using a bifurcated (two-pronged) needle that pricks the skin rapidly. It leaves a distinct circular scar on the upper arm.

Note: Routine vaccination stopped in the 1970s. It is currently only given to specific military personnel and lab workers.

2. Emergency Treatments

While there used to be no cure, antiviral drugs like Tecovirimat (TPOXX) have been developed and stockpiled by governments to treat Smallpox in the event of a bioterrorism outbreak.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.